ALBANY – Assemblymen Thomas Kirwan of Newburgh and Philip Boyle of Bay Shore, both Republicans, Friday called upon Governor David Paterson to remove Public Integrity Commission Chairman John Ferrick and Executive Director Herbert Teitelbaum, along with other Spitzer appointees.  The Assemblymen recommended that Governor Paterson install David Grandeau, former head of the Temporary State Commission on Lobbying, as chairman.

Prior to the formation of the State Commission on Public Integrity, both assemblymen had suggested to then Governor Eliot Spitzer that he appoint David Grandeau to the position of chairman.

Recent allegations by Albany County District Attorney David Soares state that Teitelbaum may have inappropriately released confidential information related to the investigation.  Teitelbaum had also allegedly conversed with members of the Spitzer administration in an attempt to cover up the facts of the case, and was in communication with one of his former law partners who currently works in Governor Paterson's administration, which Kirwan and Boyle said created a clear conflict of interest.

"I do not believe that we would have experienced any of the allegations regarding Mr. Teitelbaum had David Grandeau been in the position," said Boyle.  "Mr. Teitelbaum was entrusted with the duty of overseeing an investigation of ethical and legal actions, and there are now questions of whether he has followed the correct legal and ethical pathways himself. Mr. Grandeau is a strong believer in holding our public servants to the highest moral and ethical standards, and he has shown that he will stand up for what is right for the people of New York."

"Teitelbaum, sort of like the character in 'A Few Good Men,' not only couldn't handle the truth but didn't want to know the truth,” said Kirwan. “He has effectively disqualified himself from anything with the word 'integrity' in its title.  On the other hand, David Grandeau has been the lone beacon of integrity in the political swamp known as Albany.”